U.S., U.K., Canada Step Up Travel Curbs On Iran Government

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says new sanctions on Iran imposed today by Washington and London are "an important reminder to Iran that the international community will continue to hold accountable those officials who commit human rights abuses and suppress the democratic aspirations of fellow citizens."

Along with Britain and Canada, the United States has increased travel curbs on members of the Iranian government.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said the effort is also a joint attempt to "prevent a wide range of individuals connected with Iran's nuclear enrichment and weaponization programs from entering our countries."

The U.S. State Department said the Iranian officials subject to the new visa ban include government ministers, military and law enforcement officers, and judiciary and prison officials.